What does Psalms 107:36 mean?
"And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;" - Psalms 107:36

Psalms 107:36 in the King James Version reads, "And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;"
This verse is part of Psalm 107, which is a song of thanksgiving to God for His goodness and mercy. The psalm recounts the ways in which God has rescued His people from distress and danger, and it exhorts the people to give thanks to Him for His steadfast love.
The verse speaks of God's provision for those who are hungry. It says that He makes the hungry to dwell in a place where they can prepare a city for habitation. This verse can be understood both literally and figuratively. In a literal sense, it may refer to the way in which God provides for the physical needs of His people, making sure that they have a place to live and food to eat. In a figurative sense, it may also speak to the way in which God provides for the spiritual and emotional needs of His people, giving them a place of belonging and purpose.
One of the themes in this verse is God's provision. Throughout the psalm, the writer emphasizes how God provides for His people, meeting their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This provision is seen as a manifestation of God's love and mercy towards His people. It shows that God cares for His creation and desires to see them thrive and flourish.
Another theme in this verse is the idea of preparation. The verse says that God makes the hungry to dwell in a place where they can prepare a city for habitation. This suggests that God not only provides for His people's immediate needs, but He also equips them to build a future for themselves and others. This can be seen as a call to stewardship and community building, as well as a reminder that God's provision is not just for the present, but also for the future.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. Psalm 107 is a song of praise and thanksgiving, and it recounts the various ways in which God has delivered His people from distress and trouble. The verse in question comes in the section of the psalm that specifically discusses God's provision for those in need. It is framed by stories of people who were hungry and thirsty, and how God provided for them by leading them to a city where they could settle and build a community.
The symbolism in this verse can be seen in the imagery of hunger and the building of a city. Hunger can symbolize various forms of need, including physical hunger, spiritual longing, and emotional emptiness. The city can symbolize community, purpose, and stability. Therefore, the verse can be understood as a depiction of God's ability to provide for all forms of need and to lead His people to a place of belonging and fulfillment.
In conclusion, Psalm 107:36 is a verse that speaks to God's provision for His people and His desire to see them thrive and build a future for themselves. It carries themes of provision, preparation, and community-building, and it uses the symbolism of hunger and the building of a city to convey its message. In the larger context of Psalm 107, this verse is a part of a song of thanksgiving to God for His goodness and mercy, and a reminder of His faithfulness to His people.
Have questions about Psalms 107:36?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Psalms 107:36 Artwork
Psalms 107:36 - "And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;"
"And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;" - Psalms 107:36
Psalms 107:9
Psalms 107:9
Psalms 107:9
Psalms 107:26 - "They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble."
Psalms 107:25 - "For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof."
"They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in." - Psalms 107:4
"These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep." - Psalms 107:24
Psalms 107:5 - "Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them."
"He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;" - Psalms 107:33
"Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;" - Psalms 107:10
Psalms 107:24 - "These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep."
Psalms 107:17 - "Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted."
"And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase." - Psalms 107:37
Psalms 107:10 - "Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;"
"He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings." - Psalms 107:35
"He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." - Psalms 107:29
"They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;" - Psalms 107:23
Psalms 107:35 - "He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings."
Psalms 107:23 - "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;"
Psalms 107:27 - "They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end."
Psalms 107:34 - "A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein."
Psalms 107:4 - "They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in."
Psalms 107:33 - "He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;"
"Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:" - Psalms 107:11
Psalms 107:22 - "And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing."
Psalms 107:28 - "Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses."
Psalms 107:11 - "Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:"
Psalms 107:13 - "Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses."